The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

KIRKUS REVIEW

Young Fletcher has made it through the winter, and so has the anxiety that marked his debut (Fletcher and the Falling Leaves, 2007). When the little fox, on a walk through the orchard, sees “snowy flakes” dancing in the springtime breeze, he panics: “It will be too cold for the buds and butterflies. There’s no time to lose.” In cumulative turn, he alerts the birds, Porcupine, Squirrel and the rabbits—who discover the blossom-carpeted orchard floor. “Those are blossoms, not snow, you foolish fox!” Not to worry: They’re good fun to play with, and the friends make the most of the opportunity. Beeke’s sun-dappled paintings glory in the hues and textures of spring, giving the lie to Fletcher’s concerns with every page turn. (Picture book. 3-6)

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